Please click here for the U.S. Post Office's Direct Mail Manual
of Rules and Regulations.

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Caring for Birds

Please take care when shipping live birds.
We want your birds to arrive alive and in good condition.

The Bird N.E.S.T.s for birds are designed to protect your birds in transit,
but YOU must prepare them for travel.

The Do's & Don'ts

DO _____ Feed and water birds prior to shipment.
DO _____ Place litter or bedding in the bottom of the box to collect moisture,
                reduce odors, and provide a foothold.
DO _____ Place a source of moisture in the box with the birds.
................This source should be something that will hold it's moisture
................for several days, not be able to be spilled, and be acceptable
................or accustomed to the birds such as sliced cucumber, apple,
................or orange.. Do not depend solely on leafy vegetables as these
................will wilt and loose their content moisture very quickly.
DO _____ Inform the recipient of the expected delivery time so they will be
                able to unpack and care for the birds as quickly as possible.
DO _____ Consult experienced shippers if you have any questions.
DO _____ Check weather conditions in your area and at the destination to
                insure that they will not pose a threat to your birds or cause a
                shipping delay.
DO _____ Contact your local post office for the delivery schedule that will
                minimize transit time and insure delivery on a business day.
DO _____ Write the shipping address on the box in case the shipping
                label comes off.

DO NOT ____ ship birds that are injured, ill, or under unusual stress.
DO NOT ____ remove the white breathable membrane from over the
                       ventilation holes. The membrane protects your birds from
                       airborne pathogens, reduces excitability, and stress, and is
                       REQUIRED by postal regulations.
DO NOT ____ ship birds in very hot or very cold weather conditions.
                       Remember, the temperature inside a closed container will
                       always be higher than the temperature outside the container.
                       This excess heat can be injurious or fatal to birds in hot
                       weather. This is the reason for our complicated designs.
                       Tolerance of heat and cold varies with species, age, and                        time of year. If in doubt -- don't ship.
DO NOT ____ over pack the box. Too many birds in a box can cause
                       over-heating and stress which can be harmful or fatal.
                       Stuffing a box full of birds to save a few bucks on shipping is                        not worth the risk.
DO NOT ____ ship birds over the weekend or holiday.
                       They may become stranded!